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As soon as one player has been slain, the game will end. With no second chances and Elden Ring boasting a highly skilled player base, any contender with hopes of winning must enter the Colosseum armed with knowledge as well as the best weapons and armor.
6 Analyze Your Opponent
A PvP duel in the Colosseum has a time limit of three minutes, meaning there is no rush. Players should use the time at the start to analyze opponents, find out what abilities they have and figure out their playstyle, all while giving away nothing themselves. During this time, players with quick mechanics can make adjustments to their builds, based on what they see.
By backing off and playing on the defensive, players will not only gain insight into their enemy but will also have an opportunity to surprise them. After having all their attacks dodged or blocked, an opponent is likely frustrated and impatient for anything to happen, making it the perfect time to finally strike.
5 Take Advantage Of FP
In Duel Mode, players have no health potions nor can they use their Flask of Wondrous Physick, however, they do have three Flasks of Cerulean Tears. With access to so much Focus Point restoration, it is wise to create builds that take advantage of this resource.
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Builds that use FP are likely to involve spells or incantations, but Ashes of War also use varying amounts of FP, as well as Spirit Ashes, which can be summoned in The Caelid Colosseum duels. Due to the lack of health potions, having incantations that heal is a great idea and players should never run out of FP in such a short fight. There are also other ways to heal. For example, some Talismans can restore health upon completing certain actions.
4 Master Combat
Duel Mode is the premier test of PvP skill in Elden Ring, unlike other modes in the Colosseum, there are no unlucky teammates to blame. Therefore, when entering the Royal Colosseum for a duel to the death, players need to make sure they have mastered the art of war.
Mechanics that will prove vital are things such as timing parries, spacing, and much more. All mechanics can and should be practiced against the countless enemies throughout the Lands Between, but by using passwords players can now also practice versus friends in the Colosseum.
3 Single Target Damage
Unlike other Colosseum modes of United Combat and Combat Ordeal, there is only one enemy in Duel Mode, and builds should be optimized around this. Area of Effect damage thus drops in priority and should be replaced with damage that gets to the point.
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Attacks that deal a large amount of damage to just one target are ideal, as well as an ability to throw out lots of little attacks, as long as none of the sword strokes or spell effects are wasted on enemies that don’t exist. An opponent is likely to utilize similar tactics, so be ready to block or dodge.
2 Pick The Best Spirit Ashes
If a duel takes place in The Caelid Colosseum, then both players are able to summon a Spirit Ash. Their chosen spirit will fight alongside them and with this duel being to the death, it is important to have the best Spirit Ashes available. Other than choosing a strong companion that complements a specific playstyle, upgrading them with Grave or Ghost Gloveworts can be the difference between life and death.
In a 1 vs 1 duel, players will rarely be left alone by their opponent, making it important to summon Spirit Ashes as soon as the game begins while opponents are at a safe distance. The fact that no Flasks of Crimson Tears are available in this mode, means that Mimic Tear Ashes, which use HP instead of FP, might not be the best option, especially if the player has no other way of healing.
1 Apply Pressure And Cause Chaos
Other than the most disciplined of Tarnished, most players will panic when confronted with constant and chaotic pressure. As long as pressure is applied and the enemy is constantly on the back foot, they can’t do what they want to do. Whether they wish to use a potion, cast a spell, or charge up a big attack, don’t let them.
In terms of causing chaos, make sure to always be unpredictable and consider using niche abilities that most players have never even seen before. Make them panic, and their guard will drop. Just be ready to swoop in for the killing blow.
Elden Ring is available for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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